

Next Question with Katie Couric
iHeartPodcasts
Tired of political headlines that feel like déjà vu? Wondering if you actually need to care about every controversy? This season, Katie’s asking those same questions—and talking to the people who have real answers. From political insiders to sharp-eyed journalists, she’s breaking down what’s worth your attention (and what’s not), with smarts, sanity, and even a little humor. Because none of us can be tuned in 24/7—but we can stay informed without losing our minds.
Tune in every Thursday and join Katie Couric and her guests for a conversation on NEXT QUESTION.
Tune in every Thursday and join Katie Couric and her guests for a conversation on NEXT QUESTION.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 25, 2025 • 51min
I’ll Have What Chelsea Handler is Having
Happy 50th birthday to Chelsea Handler! We’re honored to host her on her big day and to celebrate her new book, I'll Have What She's Having. Fortunately for us, nothing is off-limits. Katie and Chelsea take on her evolving (and often hilarious) approach to love, sex, and breakups. Chelsea spills on the hard lemonade empire she built as an eight-year-old, her infamous Cuomo crush (yes, those nipples), and why she refuses to be tied down—literally or figuratively. Plus, she and Katie hash out an old grudge, talk psychedelics, and discuss why women need to double down on sisterhood in tough times. Raunchy, raw, and ridiculously funny, this episode is Chelsea at her best.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 13, 2025 • 48min
Severance’s Adam Scott Is Out of the Office, for Real
We’re looking back at Katie’s 2022 conversation with Adam Scott, who you’ll know from some truly bingeable TV, including “Parks and Rec,” the cult-fave “Party Down,” “Big Little Lies,” and now the psychological thriller, “Severance” from Apple TV. Adam is one of those actors you feel like you know. But going into this conversation, Katie realized she didn’t really know anything about him. On this episode of Next Question with Katie Couric, Katie and Adam talk about his cuss-loving hippie mom, his fondness for forts, and his youthful, almost delusional, drive to become an actor. They dive into the uncanny timeliness of “Severance” and also go back to Adam’s youth and his Harrison Ford ah ha moment. No doubt, you’ll come away loving Adam Scott just as much as you thought you did.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 6, 2025 • 44min
Bill Gates' Source Code
In a live conversation at The Strand bookstore, Bill Gates sits down with Katie Couric to reflect on the moments that shaped his journey in life and technology. Gates admits he doesn’t look back often, but in this conversation, he shares generously about his early life: how his parents’ decision to send him to therapy helped him grow, the unforgettable moment when Paul Allen rushed into his Harvard dorm with the spark that led to Microsoft, and how his initial tech optimism has evolved with time. As we approach the AI revolution, Gates reflects on the unexpected consequences of technology and the ways our online lives have rewired how we think. Shifting to today’s political landscape, Gates addresses the disruption caused by the gutting of key agencies under Trump and Elon Musk, while stressing the importance of finding a path forward. It’s a reflective conversation about growth, change, and navigating the challenges of an evolving digital world. NOTABLE MOMENTS (00:53) Bill Gates' Memoir: Early Life and Influences (01:45) Family and Childhood Reflections (03:09) Lessons from Card Games and Family Dynamics (07:30) Rebellious Teen Years and Therapy (14:55) The Birth of Microsoft (20:42) Technology's Impact on Society (23:11) AI and Future Innovations (25:49) Political Views and Global Health (36:00) Pandemic Preparedness and Future GoalsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 30, 2025 • 1h 4min
One on One with Talkspace CEO, Dr. Jon Cohen
Dr. Jon Cohen, CEO of Talkspace, opens up about the crucial role of telehealth in mental health care, especially for underserved populations like teens and older adults. He shares his transformative journey from a vascular surgeon to leading a digital mental health platform. Highlighting alarming statistics, he discusses the impact of social media on youth mental health and the innovative solutions Talkspace offers, including Medicare expansion, to bridge care gaps. The conversation underscores the urgent need for accessible mental health resources in today's digital age.

Jan 28, 2025 • 53min
Chris Hayes on the Epic Battle for Our Attention
Chris Hayes joins Katie for a thought-provoking conversation about the most valuable commodity there is: attention. As the host of MSNBC’s All In, Hayes knows how to grab it—and he's seen who else is competing for it. In his new book The Siren’s Call, he argues that attention has become the ultimate currency in a world where our brains are being rewired by the little sirens in our pockets—our smartphones. He covers it all with Katie – from how exactly we got here to the way the attention economy has radically reshaped our politics, our relationships, and the way we understand the world around us. But there’s also good news--by understanding who’s vying for our attention and how they’re doing it, we can take back control and decide where to focus our energy, rather than having it… well, captured.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 24, 2025 • 56min
Not Your Mother’s Menopause with Naomi Watts
Naomi Watts, celebrated actress pulls no punches in this raw and hilarious conversation with Katie. At 36, Naomi was blindsided by early menopause just as she dreamed of starting a family. The experience left her feeling isolated and under-informed—until she decided to change the narrative, which she writes about in her new book, Dare I Saw It: Everything I Wish I’d Known About Menopause. She’s hell bent on creating a community around women entering menopause, one where stigmas are smashed and stories are shared: everything from estrogen-patch removal mishaps to how to choose a doctor that’s right for you. If you’re ready for a refreshingly real take on menopause, Naomi Watts is here to deliver—she dares, and so should you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

19 snips
Jan 7, 2025 • 47min
“Let Them”: Mel Robbins' Life Changing Mantra
Mel Robbins, a renowned author and motivational speaker, shares her transformative 'Let Them Theory' aimed at reducing anxiety in chaotic times. She emphasizes the importance of letting go of control over others and focusing on personal growth. Through her candid anecdotes, Mel illustrates how this mindset fosters resilience and emotional well-being. She also discusses the impact of vulnerability in navigating life’s challenges and introduces practical tools like the five-second rule to spark decisive action.

Dec 19, 2024 • 46min
Katie’s 2024 Next Question: Wrapped
In our season 10 finale, Katie takes a look at standout moments from her conversations with top political minds from both sides of the aisle about the 2024 election and its surprising twists. From Trump’s unexpected coalition to the Democrats’ coulda-woulda-shouldas, this episode serves up sharp insights, candid reflections, new reflections from Katie and a dash of optimism as we face the unpredictable road ahead. See you all next year! Download the Intuit Credit Karma AppSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 12, 2024 • 54min
How to Disagree with Jessica Tarlov
Jessica Tarlov, who co-hosts Fox News’ The Five (as the lone Democratic voice we might add) and the podcast Raging Moderates, is no stranger to navigating tricky political debates with style and substance. Jessica’s thoughtful prescriptions for Democrats still reeling from November stand out for their sharpness and simplicity–they’re clearly honed from her deep experience debating extensively with people she disagrees with (but also respects and likes). From keeping debates civil to breaking free of partisan echo chambers, Jessica’s conversation with Katie offers a practical, no-nonsense approach to speaking across the aisle and finding some much-needed common ground. Download the Intuit Credit Karma AppSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 5, 2024 • 46min
Loss, Shame, and the Rise of the Right with Arlie Hochschild
Arlie Hochschild, a sociologist from Berkely, has spent a chunk of the last decade in ruby red areas of the United States. During that time she’s written two books: Strangers In Their Own Land (which was a finalist for the National Book Award in 2016) and now, Stolen Pride. Arlie interviewed dozens of people from Pike County, Kentucky–the whitest and second poorest district in the country–to better understand what’s happening in the rust belt and why those voters are so drawn to Donald Trump. In her view, it’s not just about the economy, trans rights, or climate change, but about loss, shame, and ultimately pride. Arlie invites us to open our minds and ears so we can learn about one another and begin to come together. Download the Intuit Credit Karma AppSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


